Govt forms high-level AI governance panel to steer policy framework; Vaishnaw to lead

The Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) has constituted the AI Governance and Economic Group (AIGEG), a high-level inter-ministerial body to steer the country’s artificial intelligence policy framework, with Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw set to head the panel. The body will serve as India’s central institutional mechanism for AI governance, policy development and coordination.

The formation of the AIGEG gives formal effect to key institutional recommendations outlined in India’s AI Governance Guidelines and the Economic Survey, both of which called for a unified and coordinated approach to managing the opportunities and risks posed by AI.

The guidelines recommend setting up an inter-ministerial body to drive a whole-of-government strategy, aligning the actions of ministries, departments, regulators and advisory bodies under a coherent national framework.

The Economic Survey, meanwhile, underscores the need for a central coordinating authority to ensure that AI deployment remains aligned with labour market realities and broader social stability priorities.

The AIGEG will be chaired by Vaishnaw, while Minister of State Electronics and IT Jitin Prasada will serve as Vice-Chairperson. Its membership comprises senior stakeholders from across government, covering domains such as policy development, science and technology, security, and economic affairs.

Positioned as the apex inter-ministerial body in India’s AI governance architecture, the AIGEG will be supported by a Technology and Policy Expert Committee (TPEC). The committee will provide advisory inputs on global developments, emerging technologies, regulatory challenges and risk management, helping shape India’s evolving AI policy landscape.